Profit Improvement enabled by REED Technology
When integrated to fermentation processes, Jurag's REED technology can separate small molecular compounds from the fermentation broth helping to control and optimise the microbial growth processes. Fermentation broth is continuously taken from the fermentor and pumped into the REED unit and then back to the fermentor.
Some of the key features obtained with REED are:
- Continous removal of inhibiting by-products
- Superior pH control
- Microorganisms and vital growth components are retained in the fermentation tank
The overall benefit from REED is prolonging the microbial growth phase resulting in yield and productivity improvements for fermentation processes. Typically, the REED technology results in productivity increases in the range from 600%-1200% with only a moderate increase in production time. Thus, the financial gain from implementing REED is very significant.
Uncovering REED
REED means Reverse Electro-Enhanced Dialysis. A REED unit is a plate-and-frame stack module where ion-exchange membranes are placed in layers, separated by flow spacers. The flow spacers facilitate the passage of the fermentation broth between each set of membranes.
By applying an electric field across the REED stack, fermentation broth can pass the stack while small charged molecules leave the broth when they migrate across the membranes and enter the dialyste stream. Larger or non charged components inlcuding proteins, sugars, cells, yeasts, etc. remain in the fermentation broth.
No bio-material clogging
Build-up of bio-material inside the REED stack is avoided by reversing the electrical current during processing. Thus, the REED technology offers a unique possibility remove charged components from process stream with high fouling tendencies, which is often the case within the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries.
Jurag's REED technology is developed for cGMP operations. The design and documentation package complies with the strictest food and pharma guidelines.
